My Weekend: Alex Howarth

Bake-Off star organises 24-hour charity run at University of Portsmouth

Alex Howarth, 21, is a personal trainer from Portchester. He is also the co-founder of traditional British clothing label Arrow and Locksley, which he created at the age of 19.

When did you last go away and where did you go?

I went to my parents’ villa in Spain with my girlfriend. The villa is in La Herradura. It’s a seaside town but it’s the second-largest urban area of Almuñecar. It is said to be the Costa Tropical of Spain. We usually go once or twice a year.

What was the last gig you went to?

I went to see Arctic Monkeys with some friends last October. It was absolutely incredible. It was part of their AM tour, I saw them at Earls Court in London. I’d love to go again.

What was the last theatre show you saw?

I don’t ever go to the theatre. I think the last show I saw was Blood Brothers and that was while I was at school. It must have been about seven years ago!

And the last book you read?

I don’t know if you can class a bodybuilding magazine as a book, but I read that quite often. It’s called Train magazine. The slogan is ‘Don’t just read it, use it’. In the career I’ve chosen, it’s good reading material to get motivated, and it’s full of useful information.

What do you watch on TV?

Movies or comedies. Liar Liar is my favourite movie, you just can’t beat Jim Carrey. I also like Tom Hardy as an actor, he is a complete hero.

And which TV programmes do you avoid?

Soaps. I don’t like them at all. It kind of makes me miserable and it makes people think that their lives have to be as dramatic as Ian Beale’s.

It’s pretty unrealistic.

What’s your favourite way to relax?

If I want to relax I’ll go to the gym. It calms me down. I’ve also started doing hot yoga with my girlfriend, it’s incredible. It’s performed in hot and humid conditions. I’ve heard it’s great for your health.

Where do you shop?

I wear my own brand Arrow and Locksley quite often, especially our fitted tees and shirts. It’s good to represent my own brand when I can. I also really like All Saints. Their stuff fits great and it’s a bit different.

Where do you eat out?

Chimichanga in Port Solent. There’s a good atmosphere. I’d kill for their Mexican spring rolls right now.

What about pubs and bars?

I like to go down to Little Johnny Russell’s on Albert Road in Southsea. There’s a good vibe in there.

Do you have any hobbies?

I live in the gym. Music is also really important, a song that people say has no meaning can mean the world to me. Lyrics affect me. I’d love to start playing the drums again.

Where’s good for a day out?

I often go for a walk along Southsea seafront. It’s a new thing I have been doing a couple of nights a week. It can be really peaceful with the right company.

And what about a day trip further afield?

London (above) or Brighton. Any place where people think positively about everyday scenarios.